Colin Kaepernick, re-entering the game after a timeout, reacted well under big-game pressure more often than not.

Photo: Michael Macor, The Chronicle

Colin Kaepernick, re-entering the game after a timeout, reacted...

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49ers Darcel McBath, (28) Perrish Cox, (20) , Anthony Dixon, (24) and Donte Whitner, (31) celebrate at the end of the game, as the San Francisco 49ers beat the Atlanta Falcons 28-24 to win the NFC Championship game on Sunday Jan. 20, 2013, at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta Ga.

Photo: Michael Macor, The Chronicle

49ers Darcel McBath, (28) Perrish Cox, (20) , Anthony Dixon, (24)...

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The San Francisco 49ers played the Atlanta Falcons in the NFC Championship Game in the Georgia Dome in Atlanta, Ga., on Sunday, January 20, 2013. The 49ers defeated the Falcons 28-24 and advancing to the Superbowl.

Photo: Carlos Avila Gonzalez, The Chronicle

The San Francisco 49ers played the Atlanta Falcons in the NFC...

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49ers Michael Crabtree, (15) fumbles the ball on the one yard line in the fourth quarter, as the San Francisco 49ers beat the Atlanta Falcons 28-24 to win the NFC Championship game on Sunday Jan. 20, 2013, at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta Ga.

Photo: Michael Macor, The Chronicle

49ers Michael Crabtree, (15) fumbles the ball on the one yard line...

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San Francisco 49ers coach Jim Harbaugh during the San Francisco 49ers game against the Atlanta Falcons in the NFC Championship game at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta, GA., on Sunday January 20, 2013.

Photo: Michael Macor, The Chronicle

San Francisco 49ers coach Jim Harbaugh during the San Francisco...

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Wide receiver Randy Moss (84) runs through the Falcons defense during the second half of the San Francisco 49ers game against the Atlanta Falcons in the NFC Championship game at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta, GA., on Sunday January 20, 2013.

Photo: Brant Ward, The Chronicle

Wide receiver Randy Moss (84) runs through the Falcons defense...

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Frank Gore salutes fans as he walked off the field with his son. The San Francisco 49ers beat the Atlanta Falcons 28-24 to win the NFC title and advance to the Super Bowl Sunday January 20, 2013.

Photo: Brant Ward, The Chronicle

Frank Gore salutes fans as he walked off the field with his son....

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San Francisco 49ers Quarterback Colin Kaepernick (7) on a quarterback sneak past cornerback Robert McClain (27) in the first half of the San Francisco 49ers game against the Atlanta Falcons in the NFC Championship game at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta, GA., on Sunday January 20, 2013.

Photo: Carlos Avila Gonzalez, The Chronicle

San Francisco 49ers Quarterback Colin Kaepernick (7) on a...

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49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick warms up before as the San Francisco 49ers take on the Atlanta Falcons in the NFC Championship game on Sunday Jan. 20, 2013, at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta Ga.

Photo: Michael Macor, The Chronicle

49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick warms up before as the San...

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San Francisco 49ers fans congregated at the Georgia 49ers Fan Club tailgate in the Yellow Lot of the Georgia Dome in Atlanta Georgia for the NFC Championship on January 20, 2013.
Photo by David Walter Banks for The San Francisco Chronicle.

Photo: David Walter Banks

San Francisco 49ers fans congregated at the Georgia 49ers Fan Club...

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San Francisco 49ers fan Quince Rgainous at the Georgia 49ers Fan Club tailgate in the Yellow Lot of the Georgia Dome in Atlanta Georgia for the NFC Championship on January 20, 2013.
Photo by David Walter Banks for The San Francisco Chronicle.

Photo: David Walter Banks

San Francisco 49ers fan Quince Rgainous at the Georgia 49ers Fan...

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Cornerback Chris Culliver (29) and Safety Dashon Goldson (38) break up a pass in the first quarter of the San Francisco 49ers game against the Atlanta Falcons in the NFC Championship game at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta, GA., on Sunday January 20, 2013.

Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Julio Jones (11) catches a pass int he first quarter of the San Francisco 49ers game against the Atlanta Falcons in the NFC Championship game at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta, GA., on Sunday January 20, 2013.

Photo: Michael Macor, The Chronicle

Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Julio Jones (11) catches a pass int...

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San Francisco 49ers Quarterback Colin Kaepernick (7) is sacked by Defensive tackle Ray McDonald (91) in the first quarter of the San Francisco 49ers game against the Atlanta Falcons in the NFC Championship game at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta, GA., on Sunday January 20, 2013.

Photo: Michael Macor, The Chronicle

San Francisco 49ers Quarterback Colin Kaepernick (7) is sacked by...

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Quarterback Colin Kaepernick (7) during the second quarter of the San Francisco 49ers game against the Atlanta Falcons in the NFC Championship game at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta, GA., on Sunday January 20, 2013.

Photo: Brant Ward, The Chronicle

Quarterback Colin Kaepernick (7) during the second quarter of the...

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quarterback Matt Ryan (2) in the second quarter of the San Francisco 49ers game against the Atlanta Falcons in the NFC Championship game at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta, GA., on Sunday January 20, 2013.

Photo: Brant Ward, The Chronicle

quarterback Matt Ryan (2) in the second quarter of the San...

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Atlanta Falcons kicker Matt Bryant (3) kicks a field goal in the first half of the San Francisco 49ers game against the Atlanta Falcons in the NFC Championship game at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta, GA., on Sunday January 20, 2013.

Photo: Carlos Avila Gonzalez, The Chronicle

Atlanta Falcons kicker Matt Bryant (3) kicks a field goal in the...

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Running back Frank Gore (21) takes the field at the start of the San Francisco 49ers game against the Atlanta Falcons in the NFC Championship game at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta, GA., on Sunday January 20, 2013.

Photo: Carlos Avila Gonzalez, The Chronicle

Running back Frank Gore (21) takes the field at the start of the...

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Tight end Vernon Davis (85) is pushed out of bonds by Atlanta Falcons linebacker Akeem Dent (52) during the second quarter of the San Francisco 49ers game against the Atlanta Falcons in the NFC Championship game at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta, GA., on Sunday January 20, 2013.

Photo: Carlos Avila Gonzalez, The Chronicle

Tight end Vernon Davis (85) is pushed out of bonds by Atlanta...

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Quarterback Colin Kaepernick (7) during the first half of the San Francisco 49ers game against the Atlanta Falcons in the NFC Championship game at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta, GA., on Sunday January 20, 2013.

Photo: Michael Macor, The Chronicle

Quarterback Colin Kaepernick (7) during the first half of the San...

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Quarterback Colin Kaepernick (7) and Wide receiver Michael Crabtree (15) with coach jim Harbaugh during the first half of the San Francisco 49ers game against the Atlanta Falcons in the NFC Championship game at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta, GA., on Sunday January 20, 2013.

Wide receiver Michael Crabtree (15) runs past Running back Rock Cartwright (28) and snapper Charles Mitchell (26)during the second half of the San Francisco 49ers game against the Atlanta Falcons in the NFC Championship game at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta, GA., on Sunday January 20, 2013.

Photo: Carlos Avila Gonzalez / The Chronicle

Wide receiver Michael Crabtree (15) runs past Running back Rock...

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Both teams react after Wide receiver Michael Crabtree (15) fumbles the ball on the one yard line in the fourth quarter of the San Francisco 49ers game against the Atlanta Falcons in the NFC Championship game at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta, GA., on Sunday January 20, 2013.

Photo: Carlos Avila Gonzalez, The Chronicle

Both teams react after Wide receiver Michael Crabtree (15) fumbles...

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Wide receiver Michael Crabtree (15) runs past Atlanta Falcons cornerback Asante Samuel (22) in the fourth quarter of the San Francisco 49ers game against the Atlanta Falcons in the NFC Championship game at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta, GA., on Sunday January 20, 2013.

Photo: Carlos Avila Gonzalez, The Chronicle

Wide receiver Michael Crabtree (15) runs past Atlanta Falcons...

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Colin Kaepernick was mobbed by photographers after the contest. The San Francisco 49ers beat the Atlanta Falcons 28-24 to win the NFC title and advance to the Super Bowl Sunday January 20, 2013.

Photo: Brant Ward, The Chronicle

Colin Kaepernick was mobbed by photographers after the contest. The...

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Frank Gore looked at some 49er fans after finishing an interview for television. The San Francisco 49ers beat the Atlanta Falcons 28-24 to win the NFC title and advance to the Super Bowl Sunday January 20, 2013.

Photo: Brant Ward, The Chronicle

Frank Gore looked at some 49er fans after finishing an interview...

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San Francisco 49ers Linebacker Aldon Smith (99), Defensive tackle Ray McDonald (91), Linebacker NaVorro Bowman (53 and Offensive tackle Joe Staley (74) pick up Atlanta Falcons running back Jacquizz Rodgers (32) during the San Francisco 49ers game against the Atlanta Falcons in the NFC Championship game at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta, GA., on Sunday January 20, 2013.

Photo: Michael Macor, The Chronicle

San Francisco 49ers Linebacker Aldon Smith (99), Defensive tackle...

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Quarterback Colin Kaepernick (7) talks with Running back Frank Gore (21) about a play prior to the snap late in the fourth quarter of the San Francisco 49ers game against the Atlanta Falcons in the NFC Championship game at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta, GA., on Sunday January 20, 2013.

Frank Gore and his ten year old son Little Frank waited for an interview on television after the game. The San Francisco 49ers beat the Atlanta Falcons 28-24 to win the NFC title and advance to the Super Bowl Sunday January 20, 2013.

Photo: Brant Ward, The Chronicle

Frank Gore and his ten year old son Little Frank waited for an...

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LaMichael James hurtled some defensive players during a fourth quarter run back from a punt. The San Francisco 49ers beat the Atlanta Falcons 28-24 to win the NFC title and advance to the Super Bowl Sunday January 20, 2013.

Photo: Brant Ward, The Chronicle

LaMichael James hurtled some defensive players during a fourth...

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San Francisco 49ers fans inside the Georgia Dome in Atlanta Georgia for the NFC Championship on January 20, 2013.
Photo by David Walter Banks for The San Francisco Chronicle.

Colin Kaepernick speaks with Matt Ryan after the 49ers defeated the Falcons on Sunday. The San Francisco 49ers played the Atlanta Falcons in the NFC Championship Game in the Georgia Dome in Atlanta, Ga., on Sunday, January 20, 2013. The 49ers defeated the Falcons 28-24 and advancing to the Superbowl.

Linebacker Aldon Smith (99) takes down wide receiver Roddy White (84) during the fourth quarter of the San Francisco 49ers game against the Atlanta Falcons in the NFC Championship game at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta, GA., on Sunday January 20, 2013.

Photo: Carlos Avila Gonzalez, The Chronicle

Linebacker Aldon Smith (99) takes down wide receiver Roddy White...

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the San Francisco 49ers game against the Atlanta Falcons in the NFC Championship game at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta, GA., on Sunday January 20, 2013.

Photo: Carlos Avila Gonzalez, The Chronicle

the San Francisco 49ers game against the Atlanta Falcons in the NFC...

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Kicker David Akers (2) in the fourth quarter of the San Francisco 49ers game against the Atlanta Falcons in the NFC Championship game at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta, GA., on Sunday January 20, 2013.

Photo: Carlos Avila Gonzalez, The Chronicle

Kicker David Akers (2) in the fourth quarter of the San Francisco...

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Matt Ryan throws under pressure in the fourth quarter. The San Francisco 49ers played the Atlanta Falcons in the NFC Championship Game in the Georgia Dome in Atlanta, Ga., on Sunday, January 20, 2013. The 49ers defeated the Falcons 28-24 and advancing to the Superbowl.

Photo: Carlos Avila Gonzalez, The Chronicle

Matt Ryan throws under pressure in the fourth quarter. The San...

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San Francisco 49ers fans inside the Georgia Dome in Atlanta Georgia for the NFC Championship on January 20, 2013.
Photo by David Walter Banks for The San Francisco Chronicle.

San Francisco 49ers huddle before a play during the San Francisco 49ers game against the Atlanta Falcons in the NFC Championship game at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta, GA., on Sunday January 20, 2013.

Photo: Michael Macor, The Chronicle

San Francisco 49ers huddle before a play during the San Francisco...

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Quarterback Colin Kaepernick (7) celebrates with Running back Frank Gore (21) following a touchdown in the San Francisco 49ers game against the Atlanta Falcons in the NFC Championship game at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta, GA., on Sunday January 20, 2013.

49er fans greeted Frank Gore as he walked to an interview after the game. The San Francisco 49ers beat the Atlanta Falcons 28-24 to win the NFC title and advance to the Super Bowl Sunday January 20, 2013.

Photo: Brant Ward, The Chronicle

49er fans greeted Frank Gore as he walked to an interview after the...

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Atlanta coach Mike Smith congratulated Jim Harbaugh on the victory. The San Francisco 49ers beat the Atlanta Falcons 28-24 to win the NFC title and advance to the Super Bowl Sunday January 20, 2013.

Matt Ryan lost a fumble in the second half recovered by Aldon Smith. The San Francisco 49ers beat the Atlanta Falcons 28-24 to win the NFC title and advance to the Super Bowl Sunday January 20, 2013.

Photo: Brant Ward, The Chronicle

Matt Ryan lost a fumble in the second half recovered by Aldon...

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Patrick Willis stopped running back Jason Snelling for a short gain in the second half. The San Francisco 49ers beat the Atlanta Falcons 28-24 to win the NFC title and advance to the Super Bowl Sunday January 20, 2013.

Photo: Brant Ward, The Chronicle

Patrick Willis stopped running back Jason Snelling for a short gain...

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A SFPD officer swept broken glass out of the street after a fan threw a trash can into the middle of 24th Street during celebrations after the San Francisco 49er's beat the Atlanta Falcons and was promptly arrested by SFPD in San Francisco, Calif., Sunday, January, 20, 2013.

Photo: Jason Henry, Special To The Chronicle

A SFPD officer swept broken glass out of the street after a fan...

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A Niner's fan pushed a trash can onto 24th Street during celebrations after the San Francisco 49er's beat the Atlanta Falcons and was promptly arrested by SFPD in San Francisco, Calif., Sunday, January, 20, 2013.

Photo: Jason Henry, Special To The Chronicle

A Niner's fan pushed a trash can onto 24th Street during...

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A Niner's fan pushed a trash can onto 24th Street during celebrations after the San Francisco 49er's beat the Atlanta Falcons and was promptly arrested by SFPD in San Francisco, Calif., Sunday, January, 20, 2013.

Photo: Jason Henry, Special To The Chronicle

A Niner's fan pushed a trash can onto 24th Street during...

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Niners fans celebrated at 24th and Mission Streets after the San Francisco 49er's beat the Atlanta Falcons in San Francisco, Calif., Sunday, January, 20, 2013.

Photo: Jason Henry, Special To The Chronicle

Niners fans celebrated at 24th and Mission Streets after the San...

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Ben Mosqueda played a vuvuzela along Mission Street after the San Francisco 49er's beat the Atlanta Falcons in San Francisco, Calif., Sunday, January, 20, 2013.

Photo: Jason Henry, Special To The Chronicle

Ben Mosqueda played a vuvuzela along Mission Street after the San...

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Cesar Martinez celebrated along 24th Street after the San Francisco 49er's beat the Atlanta Falcons in San Francisco, Calif., Sunday, January, 20, 2013.

Photo: Jason Henry, Special To The Chronicle

Cesar Martinez celebrated along 24th Street after the San Francisco...

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Francisco Duartez shaved the 49ers logo onto the side of his head as he celebrated along 24th Street after the San Francisco 49er's beat the Atlanta Falcons in San Francisco, Calif., Sunday, January, 20, 2013.

Photo: Jason Henry, Special To The Chronicle

Francisco Duartez shaved the 49ers logo onto the side of his head...

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Will-G beat on a newspaper stand along Mission Street after the San Francisco 49er's beat the Atlanta Falcons in San Francisco, Calif., Sunday, January, 20, 2013.

Photo: Jason Henry, Special To The Chronicle

Will-G beat on a newspaper stand along Mission Street after the San...

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Fans honked their horns and hung out the windows of cars during celebrations along 24th Street after the San Francisco 49er's beat the Atlanta Falcons in San Francisco, Calif., Sunday, January, 20, 2013.

Photo: Jason Henry, Special To The Chronicle

Fans honked their horns and hung out the windows of cars during...

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A Niner's fan pushed a trash can onto 24th Street and was promptly arrested by SFPD during celebrations and residents helped clean it up after the San Francisco 49er's beat the Atlanta Falcons in San Francisco, Calif., Sunday, January, 20, 2013.

Photo: Jason Henry, Special To The Chronicle

A Niner's fan pushed a trash can onto 24th Street and was promptly...

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Niner's fans celebrated along 24th Street after the San Francisco 49er's beat the Atlanta Falcons in San Francisco, Calif., Sunday, January, 20, 2013.

Photo: Jason Henry, Special To The Chronicle

Niner's fans celebrated along 24th Street after the San Francisco...

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San Francisco 49ers fans inside the Georgia Dome in Atlanta Georgia for the NFC Championship on January 20, 2013.
Photo by David Walter Banks for The San Francisco Chronicle.

49ers Michael Crabtree, (15) fumbles the ball on the one yard line in the fourth quarter, as the San Francisco 49ers beat the Atlanta Falcons 28-24 to win the NFC Championship game on Sunday Jan. 20, 2013, at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta Ga.

Photo: Michael Macor, The Chronicle

49ers Michael Crabtree, (15) fumbles the ball on the one yard line...

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John Abraham and Corey Peters sit on the sideline dejected in the fourth quarter. The San Francisco 49ers played the Atlanta Falcons in the NFC Championship Game in the Georgia Dome in Atlanta, Ga., on Sunday, January 20, 2013. The 49ers defeated the Falcons 28-24 and advancing to the Superbowl.

Photo: Carlos Avila Gonzalez, The Chronicle

John Abraham and Corey Peters sit on the sideline dejected in the...

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San Francisco 49ers fans inside the Georgia Dome in Atlanta Georgia for the NFC Championship on January 20, 2013.
Photo by David Walter Banks for The San Francisco Chronicle.

Wide receiver Michael Crabtree (15) fumbles the ball on the one yard line during fourth quarter of the San Francisco 49ers game against the Atlanta Falcons in the NFC Championship game at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta, GA., on Sunday January 20, 2013.

Photo: Carlos Avila Gonzalez, The Chronicle

Wide receiver Michael Crabtree (15) fumbles the ball on the one...

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San Francisco 49ers fan Sagar Modi inside the Georgia Dome in Atlanta Georgia for the NFC Championship on January 20, 2013.
Photo by David Walter Banks for The San Francisco Chronicle.

Photo: David Walter Banks

San Francisco 49ers fan Sagar Modi inside the Georgia Dome in...

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Wide receiver Michael Crabtree (15) fumbles the ball on the one yard line during fourth quarter of the San Francisco 49ers game against the Atlanta Falcons in the NFC Championship game at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta, GA., on Sunday January 20, 2013.

Photo: Carlos Avila Gonzalez, The Chronicle

Wide receiver Michael Crabtree (15) fumbles the ball on the one...

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San Francisco 49ers fans congregated at the Georgia 49ers Fan Club tailgate in the Yellow Lot of the Georgia Dome in Atlanta Georgia for the NFC Championship on January 20, 2013.
Photo by David Walter Banks for The San Francisco Chronicle.

Photo: David Walter Banks

San Francisco 49ers fans congregated at the Georgia 49ers Fan Club...

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San Francisco 49ers fan Alex Gonzalez outside the Georgia Dome in Atlanta Georgia for the NFC Championship on January 20, 2013.
Photo by David Walter Banks for The San Francisco Chronicle.

Photo: David Walter Banks

San Francisco 49ers fan Alex Gonzalez outside the Georgia Dome in...

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San Francisco 49ers fans inside the Georgia Dome in Atlanta Georgia for the NFC Championship on January 20, 2013.
Photo by David Walter Banks for The San Francisco Chronicle.

Cornerback Carlos Rogers (22) blocks a pass intended for wide receiver Roddy White (84) during the San Francisco 49ers game against the Atlanta Falcons in the NFC Championship game at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta, GA., on Sunday January 20, 2013.

Photo: Michael Macor / The Chronicle

Cornerback Carlos Rogers (22) blocks a pass intended for wide...

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Wide receiver Michael Crabtree (15) runs over Falcons cornerback Asante Samuel (22) during the first half of the San Francisco 49ers game against the Atlanta Falcons in the NFC Championship game at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta, GA., on Sunday January 20, 2013.

Photo: Carlos Avila Gonzalez, The Chronicle

Wide receiver Michael Crabtree (15) runs over Falcons cornerback...

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ATLANTA, GA - JANUARY 20: Defensive back Darcel McBath #28, Anthony Dixon #24 and defensive back Perrish Cox #20 of the San Francisco 49ers react after stopping the Atlanta Falcons on fourth down in the fourth quarter in the NFC Championship game at the Georgia Dome on January 20, 2013 in Atlanta, Georgia.

Photo: Chris Graythen, Getty Images

ATLANTA, GA - JANUARY 20: Defensive back Darcel McBath #28,...

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San Francisco 49ers' Colin Kaepernick (7) celebrates with Leonard Davis and Daniel Kilgore (67) after the NFL football NFC Championship game against the Atlanta Falcons Sunday, Jan. 20, 2013, in Atlanta. The 49ers won 28-24 to advance to Superbowl XLVII.

Photo: Dave Martin, Associated Press

San Francisco 49ers' Colin Kaepernick (7) celebrates with Leonard...

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San Francisco 49ers' Ricky Jean Francois reacts after the NFL football NFC Championship game against the Atlanta Falcons Sunday, Jan. 20, 2013, in Atlanta. The 49ers won 28-24 to advance to Superbowl XLVII.

Photo: David Goldman, Associated Press

San Francisco 49ers' Ricky Jean Francois reacts after the NFL...

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San Francisco 49ers head coach Jim Harbaugh runs onto the field with an assistant after the NFL football NFC Championship game against the Atlanta Falcons Sunday, Jan. 20, 2013, in Atlanta. The 49ers won 28-24 to advance to Superbowl XLVII.

Photo: Dave Martin, Associated Press

San Francisco 49ers head coach Jim Harbaugh runs onto the field...

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Wide receiver Michael Crabtree #15, running back Frank Gore #21 and tight end Vernon Davis #85 of the San Francisco 49ers celebrate after the 49ers defeated the Atlanta Falcons 28-24 in the NFC Championship game at the Georgia Dome on January 20, 2013 in Atlanta, Georgia.

The San Francisco 49ers celebrate with head coach Jim Harbaugh, center, after the NFL football NFC Championship game against the Atlanta Falcons Sunday, Jan. 20, 2013, in Atlanta. The 49ers won 28-24 to advance to Super Bowl XLVII.

Photo: Dave Martin, Associated Press

The San Francisco 49ers celebrate with head coach Jim Harbaugh,...

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Atlanta Falcons' Dunta Robinson sits on the team bench after being defeated by San Francisco 49ers in the NFL football NFC Championship game Sunday, Jan. 20, 2013, in Atlanta. The 49ers won 28-24 to advance to Superbowl XLVII.

Photo: David Goldman, Associated Press

Atlanta Falcons' Dunta Robinson sits on the team bench after being...

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San Francisco 49ers' Aldon Smith reacts after recovering a fumble during the second half of the NFL football NFC Championship game against the Atlanta Falcons Sunday, Jan. 20, 2013, in Atlanta.

Photo: David Goldman, Associated Press

San Francisco 49ers' Aldon Smith reacts after recovering a fumble...

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Offensive tackle Anthony Davis (76) during the first half of the San Francisco 49ers game against the Atlanta Falcons in the NFC Championship game at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta, GA., on Sunday January 20, 2013.

Photo: Brant Ward, The Chronicle

Offensive tackle Anthony Davis (76) during the first half of the...

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San Francisco 49ers Running back LaMichael James (23) runs pass Atlanta Falcons cornerback Chris Owens (21) during the second quarter of the San Francisco 49ers game against the Atlanta Falcons in the NFC Championship game at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta, GA., on Sunday January 20, 2013.

Photo: Brant Ward, The Chronicle

San Francisco 49ers Running back LaMichael James (23) runs pass...

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the San Francisco 49ers game against the Atlanta Falcons in the NFC Championship game at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta, GA., on Sunday January 20, 2013.

Photo: Brant Ward, The Chronicle

the San Francisco 49ers game against the Atlanta Falcons in the NFC...

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San Francisco 49ers Quarterback Colin Kaepernick (7) during the second quarter of the San Francisco 49ers game against the Atlanta Falcons in the NFC Championship game at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta, GA., on Sunday January 20, 2013.

Photo: Brant Ward, The Chronicle

San Francisco 49ers Quarterback Colin Kaepernick (7) during the...

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Quarterback Colin Kaepernick (7) is sacked in the first quarter of the San Francisco 49ers game against the Atlanta Falcons in the NFC Championship game at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta, GA., on Sunday January 20, 2013.

Photo: Brant Ward, The Chronicle

Quarterback Colin Kaepernick (7) is sacked in the first quarter of...

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Running back LaMichael James (23) runs past Atlanta Falcons cornerback Chris Owens (21) and running back Jason Snelling (44) int he second quarter of the San Francisco 49ers game against the Atlanta Falcons in the NFC Championship game at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta, GA., on Sunday January 20, 2013.

Photo: Brant Ward, The Chronicle

Running back LaMichael James (23) runs past Atlanta Falcons...

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San Francisco 49ers Offensive tackle Joe Staley (74) and Offensive guard Mike Iupati (77) before the San Francisco 49ers game against the Atlanta Falcons in the NFC Championship game at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta, GA., on Sunday January 20, 2013.

Photo: Luanne Dietz, The Chronicle

San Francisco 49ers Offensive tackle Joe Staley (74) and Offensive...

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Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan (2) during the first quarter of the San Francisco 49ers game against the Atlanta Falcons in the NFC Championship game at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta, GA., on Sunday January 20, 2013.

Photo: Carlos Avila Gonzalez, The Chronicle

Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan (2) during the first quarter...

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San Francisco 49ers Cornerback Tarell Brown (25) attempts to stop Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Julio Jones (11) during the first quarter of the San Francisco 49ers game against the Atlanta Falcons in the NFC Championship game at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta, GA., on Sunday January 20, 2013.

Photo: Carlos Avila Gonzalez, The Chronicle

San Francisco 49ers Cornerback Tarell Brown (25) attempts to stop...

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San Francisco 49ers Linebacker Patrick Willis (52) takes down Atlanta Falcons tight end Tony Gonzalez (88) in the first quarter of the San Francisco 49ers game against the Atlanta Falcons in the NFC Championship game at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta, GA., on Sunday January 20, 2013.

Photo: Carlos Avila Gonzalez, The Chronicle

San Francisco 49ers Linebacker Patrick Willis (52) takes down...

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Cornerback Chris Culliver (29) and Safety Dashon Goldson (38) break up a pass in the first quarter of the San Francisco 49ers game against the Atlanta Falcons in the NFC Championship game at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta, GA., on Sunday January 20, 2013.

Quarterback Colin Kaepernick (7) is sacked during the fist half of the San Francisco 49ers game against the Atlanta Falcons in the NFC Championship game at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta, GA., on Sunday January 20, 2013.

Photo: Brant Ward, The Chronicle

Quarterback Colin Kaepernick (7) is sacked during the fist half of...

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Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Julio Jones (11) runs past San Francisco 49ers Safety Dashon Goldson (38) in the first quarter of the San Francisco 49ers game against the Atlanta Falcons in the NFC Championship game at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta, GA., on Sunday January 20, 2013.

Photo: Carlos Avila Gonzalez, The Chronicle

Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Julio Jones (11) runs past San...

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Wide receiver Roddy White #84 of the Atlanta Falcons catches a pass as he is hit by free safety Dashon Goldson #38 of the San Francisco 49ers in the first quarter in the NFC Championship game at the Georgia Dome on January 20, 2013 in Atlanta, Georgia.

Atlanta Falcons running back Jacquizz Rodgers (32) breaks through an attempted tackle by Defensive tackle Justin Smith (94) and Linebacker Patrick Willis (52) in the first quarter of the San Francisco 49ers game against the Atlanta Falcons in the NFC Championship game at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta, GA., on Sunday January 20, 2013.

Photo: Carlos Avila Gonzalez, The Chronicle

Atlanta Falcons running back Jacquizz Rodgers (32) breaks through...

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Atlanta quarterback Matt Ryan walked away after greeting Colin Kaepernick at midfield. The San Francisco 49ers beat the Atlanta Falcons 28-24 to win the NFC title and advance to the Super Bowl Sunday January 20, 2013.

Photo: Brant Ward, The Chronicle

Atlanta quarterback Matt Ryan walked away after greeting Colin...

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San Francisco 49ers Quarterback Colin Kaepernick (7) laughs with coach Jim Harbaugh before the San Francisco 49ers game against the Atlanta Falcons in the NFC Championship game at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta, GA., on Sunday January 20, 2013.

Photo: Brant Ward, The Chronicle

San Francisco 49ers Quarterback Colin Kaepernick (7) laughs with...

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Cornerback Chris Culliver (29) catches an interception in the third quarter of the San Francisco 49ers game against the Atlanta Falcons in the NFC Championship game at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta, GA., on Sunday January 20, 2013.

Photo: Carlos Avila Gonzalez, The Chronicle

Cornerback Chris Culliver (29) catches an interception in the third...

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Daniel Kilgore, left, and Alex Boone, right after the 49ers defeated the Falcons on Sunday. The San Francisco 49ers played the Atlanta Falcons in the NFC Championship Game in the Georgia Dome in Atlanta, Ga., on Sunday, January 20, 2013. The 49ers defeated the Falcons 28-24 and advancing to the Superbowl.

Photo: Carlos Avila Gonzalez, The Chronicle

Daniel Kilgore, left, and Alex Boone, right after the 49ers...

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San Francisco 49ers fans congregated at the Georgia 49ers Fan Club tailgate in the Yellow Lot of the Georgia Dome in Atlanta Georgia for the NFC Championship on January 20, 2013.

Photo: David Walter Banks

San Francisco 49ers fans congregated at the Georgia 49ers Fan Club...

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Joey Moreno showed off his 49ers and Giants tattoos during celebrations along 24th Street after the San Francisco 49er's beat the Atlanta Falcons in San Francisco, Calif., Sunday, January, 20, 2013.

Photo: Jason Henry, Special To The Chronicle

Joey Moreno showed off his 49ers and Giants tattoos during...

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Atlanta Falcons running back Jacquizz Rodgers (32) is picked up and carried back for a loss of yards by Linebacker Aldon Smith (99), Linebacker NaVorro Bowman (53), Defensive tackle Ray McDonald (91) and Defensive tackle Justin Smith (94) in the second half of the San Francisco 49ers game against the Atlanta Falcons in the NFC Championship game at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta, GA., on Sunday January 20, 2013.

A stand up paddle boarder sports a Colin Kaepernick jersey at the Mavericks Invitational on Sunday, January 20, 2013.

Photo: Mathew Sumner, Special To The Chronicle

A stand up paddle boarder sports a Colin Kaepernick jersey at the...

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ATLANTA, GA - JANUARY 20: (L-R) Leonard Davis #68 and head coach Jim Harbaugh and Jonathan Goodwin #59 of the San Francisco 49ers celebrate as they walk off of the field after they won 28-24 against the Atlanta Falcons in the NFC Championship game at the Georgia Dome on January 20, 2013 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images)

Photo: Streeter Lecka, Getty Images

ATLANTA, GA - JANUARY 20: (L-R) Leonard Davis #68 and head coach...

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49ers head coach Jm Harbaugh talks with a referee in the fourth quarter, as the San Francisco 49ers beat the Atlanta Falcons 28-24 to win the NFC Championship game on Sunday Jan. 20, 2013, at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta Ga.

Photo: Michael Macor, The Chronicle

49ers head coach Jm Harbaugh talks with a referee in the fourth...

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San Francisco 49ers' Frank Gore gets past Atlanta Falcons' Dunta Robinson (23) for a first down during the first half of the NFL football NFC Championship game Sunday, Jan. 20, 2013, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Mark Humphrey)

Photo: Mark Humphrey, Associated Press

San Francisco 49ers' Frank Gore gets past Atlanta Falcons' Dunta...

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San Francisco 49ers fans before the San Francisco 49ers game against the Atlanta Falcons in the NFC Championship game at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta, GA., on Sunday January 20, 2013.

Photo: Brant Ward, The Chronicle

San Francisco 49ers fans before the San Francisco 49ers game...

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49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick warms up before as the San Francisco 49ers take on the Atlanta Falcons in the NFC Championship game on Sunday Jan. 20, 2013, at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta Ga.

An hour after Sunday's game, 49ers linebacker Aldon Smith did what every kid in America wants to do - he hit up Colin Kaepernick for an autograph.

Smith handed a Sharpie and his stereo headsets to Kaepernick and said politely, "Sign it, 'To Aldon.' "

Then Aldon looked at the signature on the headpiece and criticized Kaepernick for his unreadable scribble. The kid quarterback is even signing autographs like a superstar.

Kaepernick had just quarterbacked the 49ers to a comeback 28-24 win over the Falcons. His performance was easily in his top 10 NFL starts, considering that it was his ninth start.

He is a grizzled young veteran. Maybe at some point earlier in his football career, Kaepernick buckled under pressure, but our records go back only to his Pop Warner days.

On Sunday, Kaepernick put up a fat-as-a-beignet (a New Orleans treat) quarterback rating of 127.7, completing 16 of 21 passes. It was his second-highest passer rating, behind only the 133.1 he had against the Bears in his first start.

On Sunday, as usual, Kaepernick's passes were on the money.

"They're always on the money," tight end Delanie Walker said. "He was zipping them in there, boy! They're hot as hot rocks, but they're on the money."

Speaking of money, Kaepernick was. Again.

Using hand signals because of the wall of crowd noise, Kaepernick audibled out of the original play call on roughly half of the 49ers' snaps.

"He's gotta go up there and put us in the right play," Walker said. "He's confident, calls the plays well, know how to read defenses to put us in the right situation to make plays, and he did that today."

Center Jonathan Goodwin said, "He got us out of what would have been a couple of bad plays."

Kaepernick also broke off one crucial 23-yard scramble, but otherwise he eschewed the run, which confused the Falcons, who had seen video of the previous weekend's Kaepernick track meet.

"He played with his arm today," Atlanta safety William Moore said, "and that wasn't what we saw on tape."

No fair!

Offensive coordinator Greg Roman and Kaepernick keep not doing what people expect them to do. Kaepernick keeps flummoxing the doubters, some of whom, we're learning, were 49ers.

"A lot of guys weren't happy about it," 49ers tight end Vernon Davis said of Harbaugh's decision to put all his eggs in Kaepernick's basket.

The 49ers seem to be unanimously happy now, including Davis, who caught five passes for 106 yards Sunday. Davis, who has been missing in action for a couple of months, found himself open most of Sunday partly because the Falcons focused extra manpower on preventing Kaepernick from running wild. It's called Whac-A-Mole.

The guess here is that all the 49ers' doubters have converted to Kaepernickism. Football players are a tough group to win over, but what's not to believe?

In Sunday's first quarter, Kaepernick threw a 1-yard completion, then two incompletions, then took a 9-yard sack.

He did better the rest of the way.

When the 49ers went down 17-0 in the second quarter, Kaepernick engineered back-to-back touchdown drives of 80 and 82 yards, completing 9 of 10 passes, and contributing that 23-yard run.

The critics/doubters are starting to run out of challenges.

First it was, let's see Kaepernick handle his first start, against the hot Bears on "Monday Night Football."

Then, let's see how he does on the road, in the loudest dome, against the red-hot Saints, now that opponents are hip to his game.

Then, let's see how he does in the cold and rain, in New England, in December.

Then, let's see how he handles playoff pressure.

Next: Let's see how he handles the gravity thing if the 49ers schedule a game on the moon.

Really, folks, what more do you want from Kaepernick? Trampoline dunking at halftime?

If you suspect that Kaepernick has a choke job looming at the Super Bowl, you just haven't been watching.

"Colin's real cool," Aldon Smith said. "Plays like he's been out here for a while."

Remember when the 49ers were a wheezing clunker in the red zone? With Kaepernick and the pistol offense, it's a whole new deal. They were dazzling in the red zone Sunday, and Kaepernick didn't even go to his most dangerous asset, his gazelle legs.

In his spare time, Kaepernick leads cheers, doing so Sunday much more effectively than the dozens of scantily clad Falcons cheerleaders. The kid is relentless.

"He was telling us to keep plugging," Goodwin said, "telling the O-line to keep plugging, telling us on the sidelines and in the huddle, we had 'em on the brink, and I think he was right."